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16th February 2023
10:33am GMT
"Declan Rice would be right up there on the list of players I’d be trying to get to stick in that role," Jenas told SportsJOE as he launched his Dare 2b sportswear range.
Liverpool have fallen from their usually lofty heights this season. After competing on four fronts last season, the Reds now find themselves languishing in ninth place in the league and out of both domestic cup competitions.
The ageing midfield trio of Fabinho, Thiago and Jordan Henderson have struggled to find form this season. Meanwhile, the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have often spent prolonged periods on the sidelines. Jenas has labelled defensive midfield as an area that “needs sorting out”.
Speaking on Liverpool's midfield woes, the 21-time capped England midfielder said: “The holding midfield player role seems to be a little bit up in the air for Liverpool at the minute. I don’t know why Fabinho is not getting that time, whether he feels like he has slowed down or whether he’s just not performing well.”
A player that was often linked with a move to Anfield was Jude Bellingham, but Jenas has doubts over the feasibility of the transfer.
"I don’t think they’ll be able to get Jude, if I’m being honest with you," the former Tottenham midfielder said.
"I think the numbers don’t stack up from Liverpool’s point of view".
Despite a number of younger players impressing in recent games for Jurgen Klopp's side, such as former Celta Vigo youth player Stefan Bajčetić, the Match of the Day pundit still feels that a more experienced option is required.
"They got that young boy, (Stefan) Bajčetić, who’s come in and is a great ball player," he said.
"But right now that defence needs more security. So, Declan would be one I’d target."
Rice, who is widely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League. The England star is set to enter the final year of his current West Ham contract and will likely be available when the summer transfer window rolls around.
The West Ham captain has gone from strength to strength and cemented his place as one of the league's most sought-after young talents. He has won 39 English caps and appeared at two major international tournaments since swapping international allegiances from Ireland.
Stating earlier this season that: "You only get one career, I want to play Champions League football", Rice himself is clearly keen to take the next step in his club career.
With such glowing praise from a former England international such as Jenas, Rice's potential to play at the highest level is certainly evident.
Only time will tell if Liverpool will take his advice and make a move for the player described as "the best all-round midfielder in the league" by Ireland legend John Giles.
Leading sportswear brand Dare 2b is pleased to share the second drop of their partnership with Football Pundit and former professional footballer Jermaine Jenas, following sell-through success with drop one.
The collection will available online at www.dare2b.ie and in selected Regatta stores across Ireland.
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